Beth El Temple of West Hartford

Coronavirus-19

For member access to religious services and classes, please click here.

For Shabbat Morning Services on our sanctuary livestream, click here.

For the latest update to our coronavirus guidelines, click here.

Welcome To Beth El Temple!

Learning

We enjoy and encourage all levels of learning, from our youngest members to our lifelong learners. Discover ways to grow in your faith with us.

Mitzvot

We are cooking, planting, knitting and donating our way to a better world. See how you can join us in making an impact today.

Services

Discover our wide range of worship options, from traditional sanctuary services to Shabbat yoga and outdoor celebrations.

Community

Our inclusive family welcomes you to join us as we come together for celebrations and comfort.

EXPLORE OUR COMMUNITY

What’s Happening at Beth El Temple

SundaySun, 9 OctOctober, 2022

Faith & Blue: Meet West Hartford Police

Sunday, Oct 9th 9:30a to 11:00aWe invite you to meet the officers of our local West Hartford police department! Stop by to say hello, check out police vehicles, see their drones in action, greet the K9 teams, have a snack, and more! We are proud to partner with The Emanuel Synagogue and West Hartford Police for this Faith & Blue event, an initiative aiming to re-calibrate police-community relations through solutions-focused activities organized jointly by faith-based or other community groups and law enforcement agencies.

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ThursdayThu, 13 OctOctober, 2022

Sukkahfest: Ribeye & Red Wine in the Sukkah

Thursday, Oct 13th 6:00p to 8:30pEat, Drink and be Merry! Enjoy steak and wine with Men's Club! A local expert will discuss the various kosher wines we’ll taste. Come and socialize with the Beth El Community. Plus, it’s a Mitzvah to eat in the Sukkah!

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MondayMon, 17 OctOctober, 2022

Simchat Torah Outdoor Family Experience

Monday, Oct 17th 5:15p to 7:00pCome out to celebrate Simchat Torah with singing and socially-distant dancing. Hear some Torah, dance around, and end with some ice cream sweetness. Registration is required, and is limited to the first 100 people. 5:15pm - Snacks & hors d'oeuvres 5:45pm - Outdoor Festival Ma'ariv 6:00pm - Simchat Torah LIVE! on the front plaza

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SundaySun, 23 OctOctober, 2022

The Roots of Beth El Temple and the Emanuel Synagogue: A Brunch Program at the Faith Adventist Church

Sunday, Oct 23rd 10:00a to 12:00pJoin us for a kosher brunch and learn about the roots of Beth El Temple and the Emanuel Synagogue in the North End of Hartford, as well as about the Faith Adventist Church that has been in the building since the 1970s. Click in for details! The Emanuel Synagogue, our region’s first Conservative congregation, stood at the intersection of Woodland and Greenfield Streets near Keney Park for 40 years, from 1927 until 1967. In 1953, a group of Emanuel families who wanted a synagogue in West Hartford organized Beth El Temple, which opened in 1956. In the early 1970s, the Faith Adventist Church purchased the building and has been based there in the decades since. A panel including David Harris, David Klau, and Helen Nixon will share reflections on the history of the two synagogues and of the church that have shared connections to this building, and a tour of the building will be offered. Co-sponsored by Beth El Men’s Club and the Emanuel Brotherhood $12 fee; register by October 17

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FridayFri, 4 NovNovember, 2022

Shababa

Friday, Nov 4th 5:45p to 6:45pShababa is a fun, engaging “service” for our youngest generation. All children ~8 and under (and their siblings, parents, and grandparents) are welcome to experience the joy of Shabbat with dancing, singing, stories, prayers and a free chicken nugget dinner. RSVP today to Rabbi Rachel Zerin in this free program – part of our early childhood education. Sponsorship opportunities are available – for just $50 you can celebrate a child’s birthday by sponsoring a Shababa. To sponsor a dinner, please contact Rabbi Rachel Zerin (rzerin@bethelwh.org or 860-233-9696).

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SundaySun, 13 NovNovember, 2022

Lunch Program with Speaker David Sabino and Football Social

Sunday, Nov 13th 11:30a to 4:30pAll are invited to join us for lunch and watch football on a large screen at Beth El afterwards. At this Men’s Club “kickoff” speaker program, our own David Sabino will share interesting stories about his career in sports which have included stints at Sports Illustrated and ESPN. He will also talk about his current sports business venture. There will be plenty of munchies, soft drinks, and beer to enjoy all afternoon. Registration is strongly encouraged, but not required, by November 9th. Please reach out to David Sabino (917.453.2553 and dnsabino@gmail.com) with any questions. This program is sponsored by the family of Stanley Wiesen in his memory.

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SundaySun, 20 NovNovember, 2022

Annual Turkey Drive for JFS

Sunday, Nov 20th 9:00a to 12:00pThe need for turkey donations is great this year, as there are so many in our community who risk going without a holiday meal. Last year we collected a record 219 turkeys, with a staggering $9,855 in cash and checks. How many families can we help this year? Please bring your frozen turkeys (kosher or non-kosher), pop your trunks and one of our volunteers will be there to assist you. If you cannot bring a turkey, a check made payable to Jewish Family Services (with "food pantry" in the memo line) is also very much appreciated. This event will take place rain or shine.

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SaturdaySat, 3 DecDecember, 2022

Who Wants S'more Havdalah

Motzei Shabbat, Dec 3rd 6:00p to 7:00pFamilies with children ages 0-18 are invited to join us for Havdalah, a campfire, s'mores and singing! We hope you will join us as we mark the transition from Shabbat into the rest of the week. Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 29th at noon.

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MondayMon, 12 DecDecember, 2022

Musical Chat with Cantor Joseph Ness

Monday, Dec 12th 1:00p to 2:00pCantor Ness is back with this very popular class! Cantor leads a discussion on various aspects of Jewish music, both culturally and liturgically; a link to the music will be provided before class. For access details, please contact Lydia Lutt (marketing@bethelwh.org).

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MondayMon, 2 JanJanuary, 2023

Musical Chat with Cantor Joseph Ness

Monday, Jan 2nd 1:00p to 2:00pCantor Ness is back with this very popular class! Cantor leads a discussion on various aspects of Jewish music, both culturally and liturgically; a link to the music will be provided before class. For access details, please contact Lydia Lutt (marketing@bethelwh.org).

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